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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/16/2024 10:00:43 AM EST
[#1]
Next question I had is regarding those devices that alert you when the power company restores power to your mains so you know you can turn off the generator.
When I search for such devices, there are really only 2 that pop up everywhere. They both appear to be a similar design. Battery powered box with a 4ft long pigtail that wraps around one of your incoming service lines, and a "100db" alarm. I installed one at my old house. It technically worked, but left a lot to be desired. Is there something a bit better? I'm looking for one possibly with a receiver you can walk around with, like a baby monitor or a wireless meat thermometer. Where the mains come into my house is separated from the main living quarters by a few walls. Between that and the sound of the generator outside, I don't think the dinky little built-in siren is sufficient. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 10/16/2024 10:23:15 AM EST
[#2]
My 2350W WEN generator failed me.
I got the generator about five years ago. I broke it in the right way. Every year I took it and started it up a couple of times a year to make sure it was running properly. After running it I drained the gas out of the carburetor. I only used non ethanol gas. It worked fine in two hurricanes. Changed the oil after every use. In June I started it up in preparation for the hurricane season. Last Monday before Milton as I was getting everything prepared I started it up to make sure it was running OK. It started on the second pull. A couple of hours later I decided to try it again. This time the pull on it was very hard and I couldn't get it started. I spent an hour doing everything I could think of to get it running like taking out the spark plug to see if there water in the cylinder. Nothing worked. From now on I am going to have a back up generator. |
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Posted: 10/16/2024 11:03:17 AM EST
[#3]
I absolutely get it. I have two gensets, and have had an older one quit half way through an outage. I now have a 3500W tri fuel, and a 4000W dual fuel in parallel I run for 45 minutes + every month.
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/16/2024 11:04:26 AM EST
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PCB66: My 2350W WEN generator failed me. I got the generator about five years ago. I broke it in the right way. Every year I took it and started it up a couple of times a year to make sure it was running properly. After running it I drained the gas out of the carburetor. I only used non ethanol gas. It worked fine in two hurricanes. Changed the oil after every use. In June I started it up in preparation for the hurricane season. Last Monday before Milton as I was getting everything prepared I started it up to make sure it was running OK. It started on the second pull. A couple of hours later I decided to try it again. This time the pull on it was very hard and I couldn't get it started. I spent an hour doing everything I could think of to get it running like taking out the spark plug to see if there water in the cylinder. Nothing worked. From now on I am going to have a back up generator. Have you tried giving it a shot of starting fluid? My old one (that i neglected) requires that. I dont even pull the air filter box apart. Just a 1 second shot into the side of the air filter and it starts on the 1st or 2nd pull. But yep, when the power goes out and your only generator becomes your primary source of power, you no long have a backup. 2 is 1 and 1 is none, and all that. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 10/16/2024 11:23:35 AM EST
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Have you tried giving it a shot of starting fluid? My old one (that i neglected) requires that. I dont even pull the air filter box apart. Just a 1 second shot into the side of the air filter and it starts on the 1st or 2nd pull. But yep, when the power goes out and your only generator becomes your primary source of power, you no long have a backup. 2 is 1 and 1 is none, and all that. It is very hard to pull. If I take the spark plug out it is easy to pull. I think it is a decompression release mechanism gone bad. Unfortunately that is an internal engine part and very hard to get to. I am not that good of a small engine repairman to fix it. |
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Posted: 10/17/2024 11:49:26 AM EST
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PCB66: It is very hard to pull. If I take the spark plug out it is easy to pull. I think it is a decompression release mechanism gone bad. Unfortunately that is an internal engine part and very hard to get to. I am not that good of a small engine repairman to fix it. Could be. Also check the valve lash (easier than opening the crankcase). Too loose valve clearance can also cause hard-to-pull. Specifically exhaust valve. |
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Posted: 10/18/2024 3:13:16 PM EST
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PCB66: My 2350W WEN generator failed me. I got the generator about five years ago. I broke it in the right way. Every year I took it and started it up a couple of times a year to make sure it was running properly. After running it I drained the gas out of the carburetor. I only used non ethanol gas. It worked fine in two hurricanes. Changed the oil after every use. In June I started it up in preparation for the hurricane season. Last Monday before Milton as I was getting everything prepared I started it up to make sure it was running OK. It started on the second pull. A couple of hours later I decided to try it again. This time the pull on it was very hard and I couldn't get it started. I spent an hour doing everything I could think of to get it running like taking out the spark plug to see if there water in the cylinder. Nothing worked. From now on I am going to have a back up generator. I hate to hear things like this, and hope you pulled through okay in spite of the failure. I understand that not everyone can afford a generator, much less one, but I always try to impress people when theyr're inquiring about upgrading their existing unit, that they should if at all possible, keep what they have as a backup. I have three and an ecoflow backup system and I'm still nervous my brother has my little suitcase gen at a cabin for a bit! |
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Posted: 10/18/2024 3:28:08 PM EST
[#8]
I approached emergency power as - 2=1, 1=0. I have 6, so I guess I have 3.
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/18/2024 3:33:51 PM EST
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By zoe17: I approached emergency power as - 2=1, 1=0. I have 6, so I guess I have 3. That depends if the "2 is 1" function is recursive. If so, you still only have 1. |
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Posted: 10/20/2024 11:25:34 AM EST
[#10]
Alright what’s everyone’s option…..
Think I can run my fridge and 2 deep freezers (11cu and 7cu) on a predator 2000? I’m going to try it but curious what you guys think. I have a 12,000watt to all run my entire house but the small guy is so good because it sips fuel for long term outages and I can heat my house with my wood stoves. If it fails I’ll probably my replace it with a 3500 watt inverter or something to bridge the gap in situational needs. |
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MI, USA
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Posted: 10/20/2024 11:54:43 AM EST
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: That depends if the "2 is 1" function is recursive. If so, you still only have 1. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Originally Posted By zoe17: I approached emergency power as - 2=1, 1=0. I have 6, so I guess I have 3. That depends if the "2 is 1" function is recursive. If so, you still only have 1. I the case of basic "backup" math, you are both wrong. 6 is neither 3 nor 1. 1=0 2=1 3=2 4=3 5=4 6=5 And so on. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/20/2024 6:43:41 PM EST
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By kevins_garage: I the case of basic "backup" math, you are both wrong. 6 is neither 3 nor 1. 1=0 2=1 3=2 4=3 5=4 6=5 And so on. We see who doesn't understand recursive functions. No matter how many you enter, it will simplify down to 1. |
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Posted: 10/20/2024 8:38:47 PM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: We see who doesn't understand recursive functions. No matter how many you enter, it will simplify down to 1. And, however many generators you own, you're still going to die. But I guess it's how you get there that makes all the difference. |
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Posted: 10/20/2024 10:30:40 PM EST
[Last Edit: Gamma762]
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Krauss: Alright what’s everyone’s option….. Think I can run my fridge and 2 deep freezers (11cu and 7cu) on a predator 2000? I’m going to try it but curious what you guys think. I have a 12,000watt to all run my entire house but the small guy is so good because it sips fuel for long term outages and I can heat my house with my wood stoves. If it fails I’ll probably my replace it with a 3500 watt inverter or something to bridge the gap in situational needs. IME, it would work except if you plug all of them in at the same time so it's tying to start up all three simultaneously. If you plugged them in one at a time, with say 30 seconds in between it would likely work ok. Best way to know for sure is to test each of the items to see how much power they actually draw. |
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Posted: 10/21/2024 12:56:22 AM EST
[#15]
What’s the easiest way to check for MWBCs ?
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Posted: 10/21/2024 1:22:38 AM EST
[Last Edit: Gamma762]
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By danpass: What’s the easiest way to check for MWBCs ? Not really a definitive easy way. This discussion covers most of it: https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/279770/how-can-you-spot-mwbcs-multi-wire-branch-circuits-in-an-electrical-panel The most obvious is having what looks like a 240/120 circuit with black/red/white/ground cable that's not running to a 240v appliance. A MWBC, just like a 240 generator input (which is technically a MWBC) makes it possible and somewhat of a hazard when bridging the hots for 120v generator power, as the neutral would be carrying the combined load of both hots and is not protected by a breaker. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 10/24/2024 10:09:40 AM EST
[Last Edit: joker223]
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gamma762: Not really a definitive easy way. This discussion covers most of it: https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/279770/how-can-you-spot-mwbcs-multi-wire-branch-circuits-in-an-electrical-panel The most obvious is having what looks like a 240/120 circuit with black/red/white/ground cable that's not running to a 240v appliance. A MWBC, just like a 240 generator input (which is technically a MWBC) makes it possible and somewhat of a hazard when bridging the hots for 120v generator power, as the neutral would be carrying the combined load of both hots and is not protected by a breaker. Yeah.... I had an interlock installed on my house a while back. I was talking to the electrician about using my smaller generator just to use the 120v in the house to save fuel. (I have a well, so I'd use the bigger generator some times). I was asking him about just jumping the two 120v --so at least I would have everything in the panel on both sides, except the 240 v ones obviously). I was concerned about MWBC, and wanted to know if it could be done safely... He told me just to run the larger generator with the interlock and the smaller one with the extension cords.. I know it can be done, but don't want to overload the neutral and have a huge issue on my hands. As I understand, it would take a good amount of watts to create a problem-- like running a toaster and microwave simultaneously, etc. But, I don't want to test it out without completely understanding my wiring, which may never happen. During Milton, I only used my smaller generator with the extension cords. Didn't bother with the interlock--just used a family members house for showers, etc. |
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Posted: 10/24/2024 11:50:15 AM EST
[Last Edit: Gamma762]
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By joker223: Yeah.... I had an interlock installed on my house a while back. I was talking to the electrician about using my smaller generator just to use the 120v in the house to save fuel. (I have a well, so I'd use the bigger generator some times). I was asking him about just jumping the two 120v --so at least I would have everything in the panel on both sides, except the 240 v ones obviously). I was concerned about MWBC, and wanted to know if it could be done safely... He told me just to run the larger generator with the interlock and the smaller one with the extension cords.. I know it can be done, but don't want to overload the neutral and have a huge issue on my hands. As I understand, it would take a good amount of watts to create a problem-- like running a toaster and microwave simultaneously, etc. But, I don't want to test it out without completely understanding my wiring, which may never happen. During Milton, I only used my smaller generator with the extension cords. Didn't bother with the interlock--just used a family members house for showers, etc. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By joker223: Originally Posted By Gamma762: Not really a definitive easy way. This discussion covers most of it: https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/279770/how-can-you-spot-mwbcs-multi-wire-branch-circuits-in-an-electrical-panel The most obvious is having what looks like a 240/120 circuit with black/red/white/ground cable that's not running to a 240v appliance. A MWBC, just like a 240 generator input (which is technically a MWBC) makes it possible and somewhat of a hazard when bridging the hots for 120v generator power, as the neutral would be carrying the combined load of both hots and is not protected by a breaker. Yeah.... I had an interlock installed on my house a while back. I was talking to the electrician about using my smaller generator just to use the 120v in the house to save fuel. (I have a well, so I'd use the bigger generator some times). I was asking him about just jumping the two 120v --so at least I would have everything in the panel on both sides, except the 240 v ones obviously). I was concerned about MWBC, and wanted to know if it could be done safely... He told me just to run the larger generator with the interlock and the smaller one with the extension cords.. I know it can be done, but don't want to overload the neutral and have a huge issue on my hands. As I understand, it would take a good amount of watts to create a problem-- like running a toaster and microwave simultaneously, etc. But, I don't want to test it out without completely understanding my wiring, which may never happen. During Milton, I only used my smaller generator with the extension cords. Didn't bother with the interlock--just used a family members house for showers, etc. If you have something in the 3000~3500 range for a generator you probably have a 30a breakered outlet on the generator so should be safe going into a 30a circuit. If you have higher wattage, or paralleled inverter generators or something then things get dicey with a 30a input circuit. 50a should be ok unless you're paralleling two ~3500w generators. If you're installing a generator input circuit, oversizing the neutral wire seems like a sensible precaution and would alleviate concerns with bridged 120 configurations. |
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Posted: 10/24/2024 1:15:30 PM EST
[Last Edit: wesr228]
[#19]
I have Generlink, which is essentially like an Interlock. I also installed a small, 4 circuit, 120V only transfer switch for battery back up and to run the small generators. It's a nice option. $150 for the switch and paid $250 for the install into the subpanel. Only 4 circuits but I have power to the fridge, the tv room (lights, entertainment and wifi), the bathroom and master bedroom. More cost for sure, but works out nicely for not running the larger generator all the time.
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FL, USA
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Posted: 10/24/2024 1:57:30 PM EST
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gamma762: If you have something in the 3000~3500 range for a generator you probably have a 30a breakered outlet on the generator so should be safe going into a 30a circuit. If you have higher wattage, or paralleled inverter generators or something then things get dicey with a 30a input circuit. 50a should be ok unless you're paralleling two ~3500w generators. If you're installing a generator input circuit, oversizing the neutral wire seems like a sensible precaution and would alleviate concerns with bridged 120 configurations. I have a 3000 peak watt inverter generator and it has a 120v 30 amp plug on it. My interlock is a 50 amp, so all I'd need is an adapter. My generator is only 2800 running watts actually. I know of someone who has a 2200 watt inverter and he jumps the two 120 v wires in order to use the outlets in the house, and it works fine. I'm just concerned about the neutrals getting overloaded--but I doubt a 2800 watt generator would do it. I think the only big draws that I would have would be an occasional used of a microwave and a window ac. My fridge doesnt use much. Plus, I wouldn't be using them at the same time anyway, probably. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 10/24/2024 2:06:36 PM EST
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By wesr228: I have Generlink, which is essentially like an Interlock. I also installed a small, 4 circuit, 120V only transfer switch for battery back up and to run the small generators. It's a nice option. $150 for the switch and paid $250 for the install into the subpanel. Only 4 circuits but I have power to the fridge, the tv room for lights, entertainment and wifi, the bathroom and master bedroom. Most cost for sure, but works out nicely for not running the larger generator all the time. I may look into this as well. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/24/2024 3:26:26 PM EST
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By joker223: My interlock is a 50 amp, so all I'd need is an adapter. I just upgraded my home to a 50a plug. Rather than screwing with adapters in the event I want to plug in my old generator, I just bought a L14-30P to SS2-50R(CS6364) Cord. You don't want your power setup looking like this when you're just trying to survive. 
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FL, USA
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Posted: 10/25/2024 7:02:35 AM EST
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: I just upgraded my home to a 50a plug. Rather than screwing with adapters in the event I want to plug in my old generator, I just bought a L14-30P to SS2-50R(CS6364) Cord. You don't want your power setup looking like this when you're just trying to survive. [url]https://i.redd.it/sxa0ay7 Hahahaha. Yes, agreed. |
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